An investigation has been launched after an 11-year-old boy holding a knife was tasered by police at a holiday park. 

Officers were called to Craig Tara Caravan Park near Ayr at about 11.15pm on 22 March after reports of a disturbance.

Footage, obtained by the Scottish Sun, shows several police officers approach a boy who appears to be holding a knife.

One of the officers can be heard saying “throw the knife down, throw the knife away” and one asks: “What do you want to do with the knife?”

The boy can be heard saying “stay back” before the Taser is discharged and the child falls to the ground.

The Police Scotland watchdog, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), has been informed as is standard procedure in such incidents.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Officers attended a disturbance involving an 11-year-old boy in possession of a knife at Craig Tara caravan park near Ayr around 11.15pm on Wednesday 22 March.

“The incident was resolved with no serious injuries. It was contained and there was no risk to the wider public.

“A Taser was discharged during this incident.

“As part of standard procedure, the circumstances of the incident were referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.”

A PIRC spokeswoman said: “We are investigating the circumstances, and once our investigations are complete a report will be issued to the Chief Constable.”